Celebrating Their 12-Year Anniversary: Freedom Tax Center is here to assist you with all your tax needs In Person and Virtually Fri Feb 04 2022 05:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Spring Break: At The City of Aventura March 18, 2022 Share The City is offering a traditional camp program and specialty programs that focus on particular interests like basketball, soccer, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), art, dance, and tennis. Each program provides not only the chance for children to make new friends and memories, but also experience a one-of-a-kind adventure over their spring break vacation. Camp will be held Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25, 2022. General camp and specialty camp programs will be held Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Aventura Community Recreation Center located at 3375 NE 188 St. Tennis Camp will be held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Founders Park located at 3105 NE 190 St. The Aventura Resident weekly rate for general camp is $175, specialty camps are $210, and Tennis Camp is $275. The non-Aventura Resident weekly rate for general camp is $210, specialty camps are $252, and tennis camp is $275. Camps Available General Camp keeps participants ages 5-12 engaged with supervised interactive activities including arts & crafts, games, sports, special events, and in-house field trips. Soccer Camp or Basketball Camp is perfect for participants ages 5-12 with an athletic interest in the selected sport. Campers will learn skills and be given the opportunity to compete while also enjoying the week filled with an emphasis on sportsmanship, playing with character and fitness. STEM Camp provides participants ages 7-12 with the chance to explore the connectedness between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while challenging their creativity and problem-solving skills. Art Camp participants ages 5-12 will learn about artists, techniques and gain hands-on experience with a variety of media in a fun and educational environment. Dance Camp provides participants ages 5-12 an opportunity to explore a variety of dance and music styles while inspiring them to learn and perform choreography in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Tennis Camp is ideal for participants ages 6-17 of all skill levels. Campers will enjoy fun, high-quality instruction and improve or learn tennis skills while challenging themselves on the court. Registration Participants must be registered prior to attending any program. Registration can be completed exclusively online. Please visit cityofaventura.com/ors to complete the registration process with a valid account. There is a $20 late registration fee applied to all registrations received on or after the Sunday prior to the selected program’s start date. For more information, contact the City of Aventura Community Services Department at 305-466-3883 or via email at crcenter@cityofaventura.com . < Previous News Next News >

Public Art Program at The Parker - Dynamic outdoor art light projection by Mad Arts kicks off in January December 25, 2024 Share Funding Arts Broward (FAB) announced the launch of a new public art program titled, FAB Goes Public, with a dynamic outdoor artistic light display on the exterior wall of The Parker in Fort Lauderdale from January through April. Made possible with the support of Funding Arts Broward, the membership-based organization dedicated to championing the arts in Broward, in collaboration with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, The Parker and Mad Arts, FAB Goes Public is FAB’s public art initiative designed to broaden appreciation for the arts within the community, reach a larger audience and benefit emerging artists by teaching them new skills and showcasing their work. The impetus behind FAB Goes Public originated from the nonprofit’s recently published “Enriching the Arts Opportunities in Broward County’s Arts Community” report which identified key needs within Broward County’s arts community. A signature public art event was a top priority. “Public art enhances our cultural landscape, engages communities, contributes to economic vitality and celebrates diversity,” said FAB President Mary Riedel. “We are thrilled to be able to bring this multi-month outdoor light projection to the community and at the same time support our local artists.” Miami native, Marc Aptakin, Founder and acting CEO of Mad Arts, is a longtime supporter of local arts initiatives, providing complimentary space for artists exhibits and now includes education. “As a former artist and photographer, I support the arts and artists in any way that I can,” said Aptakin. “I’m delighted to partner with FAB and host instructive workshops for aspiring artists.” FAB worked alongside Sofia Bastidas, Mad Arts Curator, to identify the artists that will be showcased for FAB Goes Public. The artists include Rosanna Kalis and Miguel Gonzalez, who are both local artists working at the intersection of arts and technology. The project seeks to empower and elevate local artists by expanding their digital expertise to enhance their visibility. An important part of the program was to implement an educational initiative at Mad Arts. This program hopes to educate participants to explore their creativity and develop new technical skills, such as 3D projection mapping. “With this immersive lighting experience at The Parker, we have a unique opportunity to weave in the visual arts with the performing arts,” said Lisa Kitei, President of the Broward Performing Arts Foundation and longtime FAB member. “We look forward to lighting up the sky at The Parker to further engage our community in the arts.” The Parker is located at 707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Funding Arts Broward (FAB) Funding Arts Broward (FAB) is a privately funded non-profit organization that provides visual arts and arts education grants to non-profit organizations in Broward. FAB funds an annual grant pool of up to $400K, through the support of its members, corporate partners, and allied foundations. FAB was founded by local artist and philanthropist Francie Bishop Good. More information about FAB can be found at: https://fundingartsbroward.org . Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/fundingartsbroward. Mad Arts A Non-Profit Organization founded in 2020, Mad Arts is a museum, community hub, and laboratory for art and technology. Facilitating visionary exhibitions and projects by individuals, collectives, and companies, Mad Arts operates out of its flagship headquarters, a 50,000-square-foot space in South Florida. More information about MAD can be found at: www.yeswearemadarts.com . The Parker The Parker is Fort Lauderdale’s iconic, heritage theater presenting concerts, comedy, dance, family fare and more. Beautifully renovated in 2021, The Parker offers audiences enhanced entertainment and hospitality experiences. The neo-classical Lillian S. Wells Hall features outstanding acoustics, unobstructed sightlines, wide rows and continental seating. The grand S. Donald Sussman Lobby, Bernie Peck’s Bar, the intimate Haller Club, and the private members’ lounge, The Place To Be, provide ample opportunities for audiences to enjoy culture, cocktails and conversation with every visit to the theater. For more information, visit: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com < Previous News Next News >

The Deadly Cost of Police Welfare Checks: Particularly If That Person is Disabled, Mentally Ill, Elderly, Autistic, Hearing Impaired, or Suffering From Dementia Thu Oct 27 2022 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Making Strides Walkathon - Together We Can Help Fund the Future of Breast Cancer Research Fri Nov 15 2024 18:30:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Celebrate Black History Month in the City of Hollywood Thu Feb 16 2023 17:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A PAWS-itively Great Time: Mark Your Calendars To Support Our Four-Legged Pets In Need September 21, 2023 Share If you're a passionate animal lover, Broward County's Humane Society has a lineup of exciting events that will surely tug at your heartstrings. PAWS, the Humane Society of Broward County's dedicated fundraising auxiliary, has been tirelessly working to organize a series of fabulous events aimed at supporting their shelter and the vital programs and services they provide for our four-legged friends in need. First up is the 25th Annual Marti Huizenga PAWS on the Green Women’s Golf Tournament. This year marks a special milestone as the 25th Annual Marti Huizenga PAWS on the Green Women’s Golf Tournament takes center stage. Presented by Rita & Rick Case Automotive Group, this event promises a day of golfing, fun, and camaraderie, all in the name of our furry companions. Date: Monday, October 30th, 2023 Location: Grande Oaks Golf Club Cost: $600 Per Player / $2,400 Per Foursome The tournament offers an array of benefits for participants. It kicks off with a Sunday Evening Pre-Tournament Cocktail Party at a Private Home, setting the stage for a memorable experience. On the big day, participants will enjoy one round of golf at the exclusive Grande Oaks Golf Club, known for its lush greens and challenging fairways. For those looking to get their swings just right, a practice round of golf is available during the week leading up to the tournament. Before the official tee-off, a Pre-Round Brunch will fuel players up for an exciting day on the course. Beyond golf, there's plenty more to look forward to. A Silent Auction and Live Auction will feature a tempting array of items up for grabs. The on-course experience is elevated with delectable On-Course Food and Beverage options and entertaining On-Course Contests to keep the excitement alive. The day concludes with an Awards Dinner, where participants can celebrate their achievements on the greens. To top it all off, attendees will receive Fabulous Player Gifts and Prizes as tokens of appreciation. Keep in mind that capacity is limited, so early registration is highly recommended to secure your spot in this exclusive event. PAWS Holiday Shopping Extravaganza As the holiday season approaches, the PAWS Holiday Shopping Extravaganza is a fantastic opportunity to find unique gifts for your loved ones while supporting a great cause. This event invites you to shop, sip, and socialize. Date: Monday, December 4th, 2023 Time: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: Coral Ridge Country Club Tickets: $50 Local vendors will be on hand, showcasing a delightful array of items, including jewelry, home décor, clothing, pet-related products, and much more. It's the perfect occasion to discover one-of-a-kind presents and support local businesses simultaneously. While you shop, you can also participate in the Lucky Draw Auction, featuring fabulous items generously provided by participating vendors. So, you might just score a special find while browsing through the offerings. To make your shopping experience smooth and hassle-free, vendors will be accepting cash, checks, and credit cards. Guests will enjoy drinks and light bites as they browse through the vendor selections. At just $50 per ticket, this is an event that brings together the joy of holiday shopping and the satisfaction of contributing to a noble cause. Save the Date: PAWS Gala on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 While the year is filled with exciting events, don't forget to mark your calendar for the highly anticipated PAWS Gala on Saturday, April 27th, 2024. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa, this gala promises an unforgettable evening of glamor and philanthropy. It's an event that's not to be missed, where you can celebrate the tireless efforts of the Humane Society of Broward County and their mission to provide shelter and vital services for animals in need. Stay tuned for more details as the date approaches. How You Can Contribute If you're inspired by the work of the Humane Society of Broward County and PAWS, there are several ways you can get involved. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the events, allowing individuals and businesses to make a significant impact on the organization's fundraising efforts. Additionally, if you have valuable auction items that you'd like to contribute, they would be welcomed with open arms. These items can be instrumental in raising funds to support the Humane Society's essential programs and services. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to donate auction items, please contact Jamie Profant at: (954) 266-6827. Or via email at: jprofant@hsbroward.com . The Humane Society of Broward County of Broward County is a private, non-profit, organization that is not affiliated with any local or national group with a similar name. The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 and Adoption Areas open daily at 11:00 a.m. To learn more, visit: www.humanebroward.com < Previous News Next News >

Met Council Legislative Breakfast Draws 600 Leaders As Hochul Signs Buffer Zone Bill Protection Jewish Institutions Jewish Connection News Jun 18, 2026 More Than 600 Elected Officials, Government Leaders, Clergy And Community Leaders Gathered In Manhattan On Sunday Morning For Met Council’s Annual Legislative Breakfast, One Of The Largest Annual Gatherings Of Elected Officials And Jewish Community Leaders In New York. Held ahead of New York City’s Salute to Israel Parade, the breakfast brought together leaders from every level of government to recognize Met Council’s work serving 350,000 New Yorkers in need through its food pantry network, social services, senior programs, family violence services and anti-poverty initiatives. The program featured remarks from Governor Kathy Hochul, who joined Met Council to sign the "Keeping New Yorkers Safe" legislation, establishing buffer zones around houses of worship; U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles “Chuck” Schumer; New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, among more than three dozen elected officials who took to the stage in support of Met Council’s mission and in celebration of New York’s Jewish community. “When New Yorkers have nowhere else to turn, they turn to Met Council,” said Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield. “Across our food pantries, senior services, domestic violence programs and anti-poverty initiatives, we meet people at the hardest moments of their lives. The extraordinary turnout of elected officials and community leaders today reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker has access to the support and dignity they deserve.” This year’s honorees included New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, Secretary to the Governor Karen Persichilli Keogh, New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, New York State Assembly Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin, New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, New York City Council Deputy Leader Chris Banks, Majority Whip Kamillah Hanks, Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams and Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. “Met Council embodies the values that make New York strong: caring for the vulnerable, supporting families in crisis and ensuring no one is left behind. Whether it is feeding the hungry, housing families or caring for Holocaust survivors, this organization has spent decades lifting up New Yorkers and strengthening communities across our state….I have had enough of seeing Jewish New Yorkers harassed and intimidated simply for who they are. It is not enough to condemn antisemitism. We have to take action to stop it,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “We are home to the second largest Jewish population outside of Israel and at a time when antisemitism is rising at alarming levels New York must continue to lead,” shared City Council Speaker Julie Menin. “Today we proudly celebrate Jewish culture, Jewish heritage and the Jewish state while standing united against hate in all its forms. Organizations like Met Council represent the very best of our city, providing critical food, social services and support to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers each year while strengthening communities across all five boroughs.” “I was raised to believe deeply in Am Yisrael Chai and that is how I am raising my children. My Jewish identity is not something I put on and take off. It is who I am and who I will always be. I understand the fear many in our community have felt since October 7 which is why I take this responsibility so personally. Organizations like Met Council reflect the values that make our community strong and my commitment is simple: every Jewish New Yorker should be able to gather, worship and celebrate their heritage proudly knowing the NYPD is doing everything possible to keep them safe,” added NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Over the past year, Met Council reached record levels of service across its programs. The organization served 350,000 New Yorkers statewide, distributed 1,880,457 pounds of food each month through its pantry network and processed 239,366 digital pantry orders through Market by Met Council. Met Council also helped New Yorkers access $20,700,000 in SNAP benefits through applications and recertifications and distributed $1,518,127 in cash assistance through its crisis intervention work. Met Council’s senior services division assisted 2,576 Holocaust survivors with home deliveries and essential services, while its family violence and prevention programs supported 1,067 individuals. Through its Career Access Program, Met Council trained more than 503 participants through tech workshops, helping New Yorkers build skills and access workforce opportunities. The program featured remarks from Governor Kathy Hochul, who joined Met Council to sign the "Keeping New Yorkers Safe" legislation, establishing buffer zones around houses of worship. “When New Yorkers have nowhere else to turn, they turn to Met Council,” said Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield. Previous Next

A Taste Of District 8 By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Oct 29, 2025 Taste Of District 8 Block Party Was A Success. I Want To Publicly Thank Our Staff Of The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. Within Only 4 Weeks They Put Together A Showcase Of Our District 8 Business Partners. Over The Past Years, We Have Been Keenly Focused On Redevelopment Of Northeast 1St Avenue. 25 Years Ago, This Section Of The City Was Once The Area For Shopping. Before Malls And Larger Shopping Centers Many Of Our Residents And Visitors Flocked To The Corridor For The Newest Fashion, Furniture And The Famous Nick’s Diner. Once Aventura Mall opened many visitors and locals began shopping and dining there. The competition of big box stores slowly eroded the charm and attraction of the area. Many of the staples remained for years. The longest standing store has been Wasser’s Furniture. The Family business is now being run by the brother and daughter team and still is one of the top suppliers of custom furnishings. Lorraine's Perfumes, another staple, is still a wonderful place to pick up your favorites. Jo-Lene Upholstery Shop and Ceviche Avenue have also called the area home for some years. For the past years, we have been reinventing the area. First, it was the Fashion, Art and Design District FADD. The vision was to create something similar to Miami Design District. We convinced the concessionaire of Ice Box to stay in our City and they developed a new restaurant commissary on 3rd Street. The COVID-19 Pandemic hit and many businesses, including theirs struggled. We helped businesses with rental assistance and other grants to stay afloat. While this started some energy we needed to refocus and create our own vision in partnership with all the owners. District 8 became a new brand. Our CRA has partnered with new and upcoming restaurants including KAO and Verde. We also recently attracted many small businesses including Pepe’n Rony, Mercado Art Studio, La Estacion Coffee Shop and Dance Olympus. There are also other new businesses poised to open in the coming month. The District 8 Streetscape Improvements Project began on Monday, October 27th, 2025 along Northeast 1st Avenue. We're looking forward to this transformation and what it will bring to our community! The project features: On Street Parking: Additional parking opportunities to support local businesses and improve access for visitors. Enhanced Safety: Modified curb, pedestrian lighting and hardscape designs for crosswalks to improve walkability. Aesthetic Upgrades: Attractive landscaping and site furnishings to create a more inviting streetscape. Cultural Value: Public art opportunities to celebrate the district and overall soul of the city. All District 8 businesses will continue operating while work is taking place, so please stop by and support them. Now anyone that has been down 1st Avenue knows that the entire street needs a facelift. We approved a major redesign between Hallandale Beach Boulevard and 3rd. In order not to lose momentum during the construction, I requested that we not hold off with a block party that both Vice Mayor Lazarow and I have been asking for. We directed staff to put the party together to highlight the area before they started the construction and staff delivered. Over the next year and half, the street will be under construction. During the construction residents and visitors will still be able to access all the business and restaurants. There are two parking lots. One is located on 3rd Street and the other right on 1st, north of 3rd. As shuttles will be running from the lots to each location. In addition to parking and shuttles, anyone living in Hallandale Beach can apply online for a $10 dollar Uber voucher and leave the driving to us. Many residents asked about KAO which was closed for renovations in preparation for the season. There will also be a new brewery opening and new open air lounge concept on the corner of 3rd and 1st. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our city a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Valuable Lessons: Mother of Three & An FPL Engineer is Teaching Her Children About Life Wed Feb 21 2024 17:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Lucky Shamrock Cookies Thu Mar 17 2022 04:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hollywood Students Meet Their Sole-Mates: Placing New Athletic Shoes on the Feet of Broward County Public Schools Students May 19, 2023 Share Every student at Mary M. Bethune Elementary School in Hollywood, Florida received a new pair of brand-name athletic shoes, thanks to Rita Case, President and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, Soles4Souls’ 4EveryKid Program and Broward County Public Schools (BCPS). They joined community volunteers to help each child select shoes that match their personality and style and measured each student’s feet to find the perfect fit. “4EveryKid is a transformational program that truly makes a difference in the lives of students,” Case said. “It’s so important to encourage kids to put their best foot forward and what better way to start than with a new pair of athletic shoes. The look on their faces, lighting up as they opened the shoeboxes and tried on their new sneakers, was priceless.” According to research conducted by Soles4Souls, a new pair of athletic shoes can directly impact a child’s attitude and performance in and out of school. More than 90% of kids gained confidence with new shoes on their feet, were more excited to attend school, engaged in more physical activity and felt more equal to their peers. Case, along with Soles4Souls, founded the 4EveryKid Program in Broward County and partnered with BCPS Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team (HEART) to provide athletic shoes to students facing housing instability. Since becoming the founding Sponsor and Chief Fundraiser for 4EveryKid Broward in Spring 2022, Case has already raised nearly $500,000 for the program with many five-year commitments to secure funding for years to come. To date, 3,755 kids have received new athletic shoes in Broward County through the 4EveryKid Program. Soles4Souls partners with schools across the country to get new athletic shoes to children experiencing homelessness. This gives kids the opportunity to participate more fully in school, and it frees up resources their parents can then use for other necessities. More than 1.5 million children in the U.S. don’t have stable housing, and their families lack sufficient resources to meet all their basic needs. More than 18,000 kids in southeast Florida are experiencing homelessness, with at least 7,000 of those in Broward County alone. Founded in 1962, the Rick Case Automotive Group has been honored by Automotive News as the National All-Star Dealer and is one of the largest auto groups in America, offering Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, Ioniq, Volkswagen, Kia, Acura, Audi, Mazda, Maserati, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Honda Motorcycles and E-Z-Go Golf Carts. Rita and her late husband Rick got involved with Soles4Souls in 2013. They began by providing coats and shoes to children at Boys & Girls Clubs in Broward County, Florida and in Idaho. Soles4Souls Soles4Souls turns shoes and clothing into educational and economic opportunities. Our programs, 4Opportunity, 4Relief, and 4EveryKid, aim to make a positive difference on the planet and in people's Economic, Educational, Physical, and Psychosocial Well-Being. Since 2006, more than 83 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing have helped create opportunities for people across 137 countries. Soles4Souls is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with Regional Donation Centers and warehouse locations around the world. For more information, visit: www.soles4souls.org < Previous News Next News >